Colombia breathed a collective sigh of relief on Thursday, November 9, when Luis Manuel Diaz, father of Colombian and Liverpool soccer player Luis Diaz, was finally released after being held captive by the National Liberation Army (ELN) for nearly two weeks.
The kidnapping of Luis Manuel Díaz shocked the country and raised questions about the ongoing peace process with the ELN. The rebel group initially claimed responsibility for the kidnapping and stated that it would only release Diaz if the Colombian government agreed to suspend military operations in the area.
After several days of negotiations between the ELN, the United Nations Verification Mission and the Catholic Church, an agreement was reached and Diaz was released in Perijá. He will now be transferred to Valledupar, Cesar.
Liverpool, the English Premier League team in which Luis Diaz plays, issued a statement saying “We are delighted by the news of @LuisFDiaz19’s father’s safe return and we thank all those involved in securing his release” The Colombian national team, for which Luis Diaz plays, also expressed its solidarity and support for the Diaz family.
The kidnapping of Luis Manuel Diaz has brought attention to the ongoing conflict in Colombia and the fragile peace process with the ELN. The incident highlighted the need for continued efforts towards finding a lasting and sustainable peace in the country, in which civilians are not caught in the crossfire. Now The Diaz family can now rest easy knowing that their loved one is safe and sound.
With information from Caracol